2 Peter

Wednesday, 8 January 2019

…to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 2 Peter 1:6

Peter continues to provide instruction for the believer who has been called by God. This calling holds the promises he outlined in the preceding verses. To ensure those promises are not forgotten, he continues his list with supplying “to knowledge self-control.”

Through reading and studying the Bible, through proper theological training, and through other such endeavors, knowledge is increased. From there, Peter says to supply to that reservoir “self-control.” The Greek word signifies dominion within. HELPS Word Studies says it is “proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself.” Thus, it is that which comes by the power of the Lord. Charles Ellicott says of this, “In other words, your discerning between good and evil must lead to avoiding the evil and choosing the good.”

Just because one obtains knowledge, it does not mean that he will rightly apply it. A person may be a great theologian, and yet he may be a pervert. Therefore, one must supply to his knowledge this self-control. And then to that, he is to supply “perseverance.”

The thought is obvious. We all have fallen inclinations. If we have a tendency to overdrink, and we have knowledge from the word that this is wrong, then we must display self-control in that area. But it is not a one-time thing. Rather, it is to be an ongoing process. We are to persevere in our state of self-control. Vincent’s Word Studies says it is “the heroic, brave patience with which a Christian not only bears but contends.” A believer is to effect the necessary changes in his life, and then to remain in that state.

At this point of development, Peter then says that we are to supply “godliness.” This is a piety towards God. The particular Greek word is never ascribed to God, but rather to people who would emulate Him. It is piety or directing one’s attention toward God in reverence. It is the word used by Peter in verse 1:3 when he said that “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.”

Because God has given us His divine power, then we are to appropriate that power to supply it to those characteristics which will cause us to increase in a proper way before God as we continue our lives before Him.

Peter will finish his list of these things in the next verse. After this, in verse 8, he will explain quite clearly why this must occur.

Life application: Self-control, restraining one’s temper, and guarding all of one’s physical appetites is basically the opposite of self-indulgence.

If we have knowledge without self-control, our knowledge would be useless. To understand it is wrong to over-indulge, but to do it anyway is to reject the knowledge. Then, as we exercise self-control, we supply to it perseverance.

This is a logical progression of thought. We have knowledge so let us use it to control ourselves; we have self-control, so let us exercise it continuously – with perseverance. Let us not falter from our self-control and step backwards, but rather we should heroically press on despite opposition of the world and of our own weak flesh. As we persevere, we work towards godliness.

Godliness is a condition of living a pious, devout, and holy existence. It would make no sense to desire this if we had no self-control. And even if we did at one point, unless we persevered in restraining our desires, we could never expect to live in a godly fashion.

As you can see, each step that Peter mentions must logically precede the following step as we march on toward living as God would have us live. Live for Christ; be filled with the Spirit of God; and press on in this attitude all the days of your lives!

O precious Savior, how hard it is to persevere in right conduct and self-control.  You know, O Lord, our weaknesses both in temptation and in endurance. Strengthen us as we walk through this life of trial and testing. Grant us the supernatural ability to live as You would have us live. We ask this so that You will be glorified in us. Amen.

Tuesday, 7 January 2020

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 2 Peter 1:5

The context of what Peter will now say must be considered. He will give a list of reasons for why a believer should grow in maturity, taking one step to the next, as he pursues the higher calling found in Jesus Christ. He will do this in order for the reader to avoid the embarrassing pitfall found in verse 9. However, the context of these verses is found in what he has just said.

He has spoken of the knowledge of God being the sphere in which we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, this was based on the “knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” It is these, then, by which believers have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises,” and Peter says, “that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Peter’s words of verses 1:2-1:4, as referred to, are the logical reason why he will now exhort his reader to take certain actions. Everything Peter has said is complete for the believer, as is evidenced by the use of perfect tense and aorist verbs. These things are past, and they are assured – “He has given,” “you may be partakers (aorist verb in the subjunctive mood),” “having escaped” – because of the work of Christ.

In Peter’s words is a reflection of what Paul says in Romans –

“Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:30

The things are accomplished in God’s mind, and are, therefore, done and behind in the believer, even if they have not yet been realized in the stream of time. With this understanding, Peter now says, “But for this very reason.”

It is for the reason that believers will obtain these things that we are not to squander our time in useless pursuits now. Rather, because these things are assured, a wise person will take advantage of this knowledge and use it for God’s glory and for his own personal attainment of a life which is holy before God. In order for this to be realized, he says, “giving all diligence.”

The Greek word signifies “quickly obeying.” One should quickly and with diligence give his very best effort to do those things which Peter will now lay out before us. There may be a path one could take which is good, but no matter how good it is, the one that Peter will lay out is the better. Therefore, the wise person will choose this better over whatever is merely good.

Peter next begins the movement of thought which will allow this to come about. He says, “add to your faith virtue.” This takes the reader back to his opening verse. There he said, “To those who have obtained like precious faith.” Since then, he brought in the things referred to in the intervening verses. But now, he returns to this principle tenet once again. However, the word “add” is not appropriate. There is not an additive force to the words, but rather an increase by growth. Each subsequent grace perfects the previous one. The word “supply” is appropriate. One should supply virtue to the faith he possesses.

Peter turns back to verse 3 here. Just as God “called us by His glory and virtue,” believers are to also exhibit virtue as well during their walk in faith. This walk, then, will be a walk which is fully supplied with virtue. In such a walk, Peter then says, “to virtue knowledge.”

Again, the knowledge is not additive, but supplied so that all of these will be become one continues action. One can display virtue in faith, but he may be lacking in knowledge while doing so. In such a case, his virtue may be misdirected. One could think of a zealot who runs ahead in the wrong direction. His goodness in sharing his faith is notable, but it is not explained properly. In other words, sound doctrine is lacking. Therefore, in order to perfect his virtuous walk of faith, he supplies knowledge. He reads his Bible, obtains proper training in theology, and is thus increased in proper conduct before the Lord.

Peter will continue with this list of qualities which are to be supplied, one to another, until they abound in the believer. He will then show what the results of being negligent in this will be.

Life application: Believers need an orderly development of their faith and practice so that they might become fruitful as believers in Jesus Christ. Faith is merely the beginning of our walk with the Lord. As the author of Hebrews says –

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

We can’t please God without faith. But equally as important is the fact that misdirected faith is wasted faith. Yes, Muslims and Buddhists, etc. have faith, but their faith is misdirected. What the Bible makes clear is that faith in Jesus Christ alone is what pleases God. From this launching point, virtue is to be supplied.

We are to strive for holy excellence with moral power as we progress in our faith. Next, knowledge is to be supplied. The Greek word signifies awareness or intelligent insight. In obtaining knowledge, we can then see biblical truths properly; the lens will come into focus for our doctrine and our lives.

Heavenly Father, though our faith be as small as a mustard seed, we ask that You increase it. And, O God, help us to exercise it in a way which is proper and honoring to You. May we increase this faith with virtue, and from there may our virtuous faith lead to a proper knowledge and understanding of Your word and Your great character. Amen.

Monday, 6 January 2020

…by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Peter just spoke of “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He then noted that this was “through the knowledge of Him who called us.” Continuing with that, he says, “by which.” The Greek reads “through which.” He is using the word “through” to continue this idea from verse 3. It is through the knowledge of Him that these promises “have been given to us.”

The knowledge is the medium in which these things are obtained. Without the knowledge, they are not available. This is important, because in the coming verses, he will explain the process of growing in this manner in order to obtain these “exceedingly great and precious promises.”

There is an article which is missing in the translation. It should say, “the exceedingly great and precious,” or maybe “His exceedingly great and precious.” In this, Peter uses a word for “promises” which is only found here, and then once again in verse 3:13. There is a difference between promises which are voluntarily made and promises which are given in response to a petition. The former promises are what Peter is referring to here. These promises focus on the result of God’s promises. Peter says that these are “exceedingly great and precious.”

He is heaping up superlatives because of the greatness of what God has promised His children. The word Peter chooses, translated as “precious,” was used by him in his first epistle to describe the blood of Christ which was shed.

With this understanding, Peter says that these magnificent promises are made “that through these you may be.” He again uses the word “through” to show that it is the medium by which these things come about. One travels through space to reach another planet. One moves through the hope of these promises in order to come to the realization of them.

His words, translated from the Greek verb which is in the subjunctive mood as “may be,” are better translated as “may become.” There is a process of growth which is being highlighted. However, there is no doubt in the end result of the matter. Saying “may become” doesn’t mean it may or may not happen. It is a way of saying that it will, in fact, happen. What Peter is referring to in this process of growth is found in verses 5-8. The end result of this is to be “partakers.”

Here the word Peter uses is defined by HELPS Word Studies. They say it is “properly, a participant who mutually belongs and shares fellowship; a ‘joint-participant.’” What is promised is something that will be realized in the believer in Christ. It is not something they will partake of in the sense of seeing, but in the sense of personally experiencing. And that partaking is “of the divine nature.”

Hebrews 12:10 says that believers will be “partakers of His holiness.” The outcome of what Peter speaks of is geared completely towards this end. Instead of being fleshly and earthly, we will be holy and partake of God’s divine nature. Paul says this also in 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 –

“The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

Peter continues with, “having escaped the corruption.” This is the great hope of the redeemed. We live in a world of corruption, death, pain, sorrow, tears, and so on. God promises us something far better. We shall partake of His divine nature, and in the process, we will cast off this world of corruption. The escape is made possible because of what God has done in Christ. By fleeing to Christ, the soul’s escape is made possible.

To emphasize the state of the world, and what brings that state about, he finishes with, “that is in the world through lust.” The Greek rather reads “in lust.” Lust is where the root of corruption feeds from. The believer anticipates glory and perfection, whereas those in the world feed off of lust and produce corruption.

However, believers are not immune from the effects of this world, and they can be swallowed up by it once again. For this reason, Peter will next begin a set of verses which will instruct on how to avoid this happening.

Life application: According to Paul, the process of what Peter speaks about here comes in different stages as we mature. God predestined us for salvation even before creation. He knew those who would believe in the message of Jesus from eternity past. Those whom He predestined, He called. When we were called, we began a glorious process.

After being called, we were justified. This is where we are declared “not guilty” of the offenses we have committed. Jesus took the punishment that we deserve at the cross. As God judged our sin in Him, it can never be judged again; hence, we are justified before God.

Once justified, we hopefully go through sanctification. It is both an immediate thing in God’s mind (we are sanctified – for example, see 1 Corinthians 6:11), but it is also an ongoing process in this life. As we grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Scripture, learn to live our lives in the Spirit, and are molded into the image of Jesus, we grow in sanctification.

Eventually, we will be glorified. This is the final state of the believer when we will be like Christ. This is what Peter means when he says we will be “partakers in the divine nature.” Although glorification is not something we can attain in this life, Paul speaks of it as already accomplished in the mind of God. We have every assurance that we will be carried through to this state.

If you are struggling in sanctification, ask the Lord to help you grow into His likeness. Make sure to study your Bible regularly and also to pray for guidance and wisdom as a faithful believer. These things will help you grow in Christ and will be added to the list of heavenly rewards you will receive when you face the Lord.

Lord God, sometimes we may not feel as if we are growing into Your likeness. In fact, we often feel we are slipping backwards. We know that You have saved us and that we are eternally Yours, but how unworthy of Your favor we feel! Help us to grow in You, give us wisdom as we study Your word, and may we be filled with Your Spirit as we open ourselves to You through our actions which are directed to You. May we become more and more like You. Amen.

Sunday, 5 January 2020

…as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 2 Peter 1:3

The words of this verse depend heavily upon the previous verse in order to be understood. Taken together, they read, “ Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Peter begins the verse with, “His divine power.” One must ask, “Is this speaking of ‘God?’ or of “Jesus our Lord?” Jesus is the nearest antecedent, but God seems more appropriate. It is God from whom Jesus, the second member of the Godhead, is sent. The coming words, “through the knowledge of Him,” would then speak of Jesus.

It is God’s divine power which Paul refers to in Romans 1:16, 17, which would then be in accord with the word of Peter now –

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

Paul says that the gospel of Christ is the power of God, and it is how the righteousness of God is revealed. Peter, in agreement with that, says that “His divine power has given.” Here the word dóreomai is used. It signifies to give freely or to give as a gift. One might say “bestow.” As a note of authenticity concerning the epistle, Vincent’s Word Studies notes –

“This is the only word which Peter and Mark alone have in common in the New Testament; a somewhat singular fact in view of their intimate relations, and of the impress of Peter upon Mark’s gospel: yet it tells very strongly against the theory of a forgery of this epistle. Compare Mark 15:45.”

From there, Peter says that He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” This corresponds directly to Paul saying that the gospel “is the power of God to salvation.” As salvation is what both provides life and imparts and instructs in godliness, the two apostles are speaking on the same level. Through acceptance of the gospel by faith, one is granted life. Further, he is brought, in God’s mind, to a state of godliness. The knowledge of how to make that actual in this life is also then available. Peter will speak of this process in verses 5-8.

This word, translated here as “godliness,” is spoken by Peter in Acts 3:12. It is only found elsewhere in the epistles – ten times by Paul and four times by Peter. All of the uses by Paul are in the pastoral epistles, and Peter’s four uses are only in this letter. It is a compound word which signifies “well” and “worship.” The idea is reverence, respect, and piety towards God.

Peter then says that this “life and godliness” is given “through the knowledge of Him.” Again, this is speaking of God, but it is God who has conveyed His knowledge through the giving of Christ Jesus that this is made possible, as noted in the words of Paul. The gospel brings about the understanding of what God has done. It is the giving of this particular knowledge to the people of the world.

This is then seen in Peter’s next words, “who called us.” The word translated as “called” is a common word. But in the context of Peter’s words here, it is used in the same manner by Paul in Romans 8:38-30 –

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

The calling by the gospel is then said by Peter to be “by glory and virtue.” The word translated as “by” is literally translated as “through.” Here, there is a variation in manuscripts. Some say, “by his own glory and virtue,” while others say, “through glory and virtue.” The meaning, especially when rightly translated as “through,” instead of “by,” is much the same.

It is through God’s glory and virtue that the knowledge of Him is made available. The two are inseparable. The glory speaks of the presentation of God in His natural state – how man would perceive Him when beholding Him. The virtue speaks of God in His moral state – how we perceive His workings. Both speak of what God inherently possesses. In understanding this, we then see how those attributes are conveyed to us through the gospel. In the giving of Christ, we can literally behold the magnificence of God and respond to that.

In other words, the calling of God is one which says, “Here is My glory and my virtue. I am calling to you to participate in this by accepting what I have done for you.” In the call, a response is necessary. The response may be a rejection of what is presented, or it may be a step into His revealed light, but the calling anticipates some sort of response. The gospel is forced on no one, but when it is received, it leads to justification and glorification.

Life application: The moment we accept what God has done in Jesus Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who provides and illuminates the Scriptures to us and leads us into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Despite this, it is not a complete action. Only the ability to receive these things is granted, but it is up to us to pursue the knowledge which is now available. And this is a lifetime pursuit. As we study the Bible and contemplate the work of Jesus, we grow in that which pertains to life and godliness. This is why we have so many denominations and why so many people within Christianity disagree on both the minor and even the major precepts of the Bible.

Believers accept Jesus and are saved at that moment. They are also sealed as a “deposit” or “guarantee” of eternal life. The problem arises, though, when people who are untrained in proper doctrine are appointed (or appoint themselves) as teachers and pastors. When this happens, bad doctrine is inevitable. As they teach that which is incorrect, entire groups of people are raised up believing things not based on sound reasoning or proper interpretation.

Yes, we have been granted all things that pertain to life and godliness through the reception of the gospel, but we must be careful to cultivate these in the proper way as we grow in the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

Lord God, may You fill us with Your Spirit of wisdom and knowledge. Give us proper understanding in all things which pertain to life and godliness so that we may become acceptable and responsible followers of You. In this, we can then properly instruct others concerning the majesty of Your splendor and grace. Amen.

Saturday, 4 January 2019

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2

After identifying himself and his audience, Peter now sends a personal wish for well-being and growth in the Lord. He begins with, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you.” It is the same words that ended the final clause of 1 Peter 1:2.

Grace is unmerited favor; it cannot be earned. This is a common greeting among the Greek people. Peace, however, is a common greeting among the Hebrew people. In their language, the word is shalom. The idea of shalom is more than a greeting for calm or quiet, but is rather a state of wholeness and completion in all ways.

Peter unites the two terms. The audience, as was seen in 1 Peter, is the same audience now (see 2 Peter 3:1). It is comprised of those of the Dispersion, and they would be fully aware of both terms and how they were applied in the common language spoken where they were. This extending of grace and peace is seen in Paul’s epistles as well. In their words, the common order is “grace” and then “peace.” Grace precedes peace because only after receiving the grace of God can a person experience the peace of God.

Peter then expands on this thought by saying, “in the knowledge of God.” The words “in the knowledge” are often used by Paul in his epistles.  It is the sphere in which Peter anticipates that the grace and peace will be multiplied. As they grow in the knowledge of God, the multiplication of the blessing will also grow. It is a sentiment which is more fully fleshed out by him in Chapter 2.

He then adds in “and of Jesus our Lord.” In the previous verse, the two were combined (see commentary to understand this) as “our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Here, Peter separately notes them by saying, “of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Despite separating them, it must be noted that the word translated as “Lord” in this second letter is always used of God specifically, unless the words “Christ” or “Savior” are added.

The change then seems purposeful. God is Lord, and Jesus is God, therefore Jesus is Lord. They are One, and yet Jesus is one member of the Godhead. Each time Peter writes one of the names or titles, he is being careful to make a theological point concerning the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter desires that the sphere of knowledge in which the grace and peace are multiplied is properly understood through his words.

One can grow in the knowledge of God, but it is an incomplete knowledge unless one grows in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God.

Life application: Today we are normally not as formal in our salutations as the writers of the New Testament letters. It is a shame too because there is something lost when we skip over a heartfelt greeting and just jump into the purpose of our notes.

Likewise, when people greet each other, we have gotten to the point where our words have been cut to the absolute minimum… instead of “Good morning Rebecca” we find it difficult to simply utter “Mornin’…” Going back to the book of Ruth, we see how Boaz greeted his employees in the field as they worked –

“Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, ‘The Lord be with you!’
And they answered him, ‘The Lord bless you!’” Ruth 2:4

This wonderful exchange shows us several things.

1) The Lord is on the minds of the people not just on the Sabbath, but as they work during the week.
2) The presence of the Lord should be considered a special blessing for those we greet.
3) The people – both the boss and the employees – took the additional time to recognize each other and not just mumble over a weak greeting.

Imagine especially the workers in the field. They were busy with their reaping. But instead of just raising a hand of acknowledgment, they took due care to recognize Boaz. The encounter is a touching look into the lives of people who have gone before us, but who have something valuable to teach us. Remember this lesson and determine in yourself that you will take time to greet others in a pleasant and heartfelt manner.

Lord, we are often a bit too careless in our greeting of others. But passages in the Bible show us something we really need to work on – tenderly greeting others in Your name. Please remind us of this. Help us be attentive to those around us in a way that makes them realize we truly are concerned about them. By doing so, may they see faithful, caring followers of You in us! Amen.